strengthen
/ˈstɹɛŋ(k)θən/
strengthen
English
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Definition
To make strong or stronger; to add strength to; to increase the strength of; to fortify.
Etymology
From rare Middle English strengthenen (14th c.), from earlier strengthen (12th c.), where -en is the infinitive ending. Probably the original form was reinterpreted as strength + -en around the time when the infinitive ending was being apocopated in late Middle English.
Example Sentences
- "strengthen a muscle"
- "strengthen a wall"
- "strengthen one's willpower"
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